Cuban-born Fernandez primed for Marlins Park debut

The youngest starter in Marlins history, Jose Fernandez will make his first ever Marlins Park start Saturday night.

April 12, 2013|By Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

MIAMI Jose Fernandez showed up last season, albeit somewhat unwillingly, but he came nonetheless.

When the Marlins hosted Fernandez and Christian Yelich to present them with their Organizational Pitcher and Player of the Year awards, Fernandez said he didn't want to visit Marlins Park until his promotion. He had no idea then how close it was.

The youngest starting pitcher in franchise history, the 20-year-old Fernandez will make his home debut Saturday night against the Phillies. He was masterful in his debut, holding the Mets to a run on three hits with a walk and eight strikeouts over five innings. Fernandez settled for a no-decision when Steve Cishek blew a two-run lead in the ninth.

"I hope he just continues to build off of what he did his last start," manager Mike Redmond said. "He was totally under control and he was great. Will he be a little bit more amped up? I'm sure he probably will. At the same time, he understands what he has to do and he understands his emotions for such a young kid. I feel confident after that first pitch or first couple of pitches, he'll gather himself."

The Cuban-born Fernandez's arrival has prompted speculation about whether he will draw Hispanic fans to the ballpark. Saturday won't be a good indicator. The Marlins will have a nice crowd, more so because of the Willy Chirino Saturday Spectacular concert.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Fernandez, who went to high school in Tampa. "I have a lot of my family coming that wasn't able to go to New York. I'll have a lot of people here…The fans know every time I go out there I'm going to give 100 percent for the team, for me and for the fans. I love to compete. They're going to enjoy it every time I go out there."

Injury report

Henderson Alvarez, one of the Marlins' two injured starters, was a Marlins Park to throw a bullpen Friday. The 15-pitch session was Alvarez's first off the mound since the Marlins shelved him with right shoulder inflammation.

Alvarez will continue on a throwing progress. Redmond did not have a timetable for when he might make his Marlins' debut…

First baseman Joe Mahoney (oblique) began a rehab assignment with Class-A Jupiter Friday. Mahoney logged 30 Grapefruit League at-bats and showed impressive power before the intercostal strain sidelined him. On the disabled list retroactive to March 22, Mahoney could be activated as soon as he declares himself ready.

Redmond wouldn't speculate as to how many rehab games Mahoney might need…

Logan Morrison isn't eligible to come off the disabled list any earlier than May 31, but he's begun running.

Dominican pride

The Miami Marlins celebrated Dominican Heritage night Friday. Fifty Dominican-born players, including current team members Miguel Olivo and Placido Polanco, have suited up for the Marlins.